to 675 megawatts (MW) before the end of this year as part of steps to resolve the power crisis permanently.

The Finder has learnt that aside hydro generation, Karpowership is currently producing power at the cheapest.

This, coupled with reliable fuel supply, is the compelling convictions behind the decision to bring in the 450MW power barge.

Sources familiar with the negotiations have told The Finder that both parties are confident of reaching an agreement soon.

Consequently, a consolidated 450MW power barge is being constructed in Turkey and expected to arrive in Ghana in November.

This barge would also dock in Tema.

Officials of Karpower Ghana told The Finder that when delivered, Government of Ghana would be given the first choice to keep Aysegul Sultan, the 225MW powership currently stationed at Tema Harbour.

If ECG takes the decision to keep the 225MW power barge in addition to the 450MW barge, it will increase Karpower Ghana’s installed capacity to 675MW.

However, if ECG decides not to keep the 225MW power barge currently in Tema, officials of Karpower would relocate it to their operation in another country.

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed in June 2014 between ECG and Karpowership for two power barges.

Per the PPA, two powerships, each with 225MW capacity, are to be provided to generate a total of 450MW and directly fed into Ghana's electrical grid for 10 years.

However, work on a steam turbine to beef up capacity to 235MW is currently ongoing.

The powership uses the economic and abundant Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to generate electricity, but has the ability to convert to natural gas.

According to Karpower Ghana, what the HFO does is to bring a new and cheaper fuel source, and that should translate into lower electricity tariffs for consumers.

The company has an arrangement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), which is supplying HFO, and the expectation is that when gas from the Sankofa project comes on-stream, the plant would then be powered with gas, instead of HFO.